4 Steps to Take After Being Injured By a Drunk Driver
Car Accident Lawyer
Any car accident is difficult to handle, especially if there are injuries involved. If you were injured by a drunk driver, the case could be handled on a whole new level. What should you do if a drunk driver hits and injures you? The following are four steps to get started.
- Collect Witness Information
If for some reason there isn’t enough physical evidence to support the fact the other driver was drunk, you’ll want as many witnesses as possible to confirm his or her drunken state. This could include friends and family members who were with the driver before the accident occurred, other drivers who witnessed the individual driving erratically, or anyone who saw the actual accident. Often your lawyer will collect and interview these witnesses with the help of a private investigator, but you could ask for contact information at the scene of the accident as well.
- Seek Medical Help
It’s a strange phenomenon, but often times when a driver is drunk, the individuals he or she hits are injured worse than the drunk driver. Don’t feel you need to take care of witness statements or your damaged car if you have injuries. Seek medical help from the first responders, as well as
from emergency room personnel and your primary care physician.
- Contact the Insurance Company
After your accident, you can exchange insurance information with the other driver. The responding police officer will also collect this information. Whether you get it from the driver or the police report, you’ll need the phone number of the drunk driver’s insurance company. Contact the provider to inform them of the accident and let them know you plan to file a claim for the injuries you sustained. If the driver is underinsured or uninsured, be sure you contact your own insurance company so they are informed of the situation.
- Obtain Legal Counsel
In many accidents involving a drunk driver, the legal process becomes more complicated than if there was just a true accident that caused injuries. The driver will be facing different criminal charges and you may be asked to testify against that individual. You might also choose to sue him or her in a separate personal injury case. At any rate, it’s always a good idea to have good legal counsel by your side.
Getting Started Today
If you are worried about getting hit by a drunk driver or if it happened to you already, there are some steps you should know about. Contact a car accident lawyer, like a Philadelphia car accident lawyer today to learn more. Thanks to Wieand Law Firm, LLC for their insight into a few of the steps you need to take after being injured by a drunk driver.
